Frequently Asked Questions
Is Garrett a good turbo brand?
Yes. Garrett has been developing turbochargers since the 1950s and has a long history supplying car manufacturers and motorsport programmes. For Volkswagen Group owners, the PowerMax range is especially useful because Garrett develops direct-fit options for engines such as the EA888 rather than relying on a universal turbo.
How much HP will a Garrett turbo give you?
It depends on the turbo and the rest of the setup. Awesome GTI currently stocks EA888 PowerMax turbos rated between 445hp and 600hp. Those figures show what the turbo is capable of supporting rather than what every car will make once fitted. Fuel system, exhaust hardware and ECU mapping all play a part in the final Power and Torque figure.
Why are Garrett turbos so expensive?
A PowerMax turbo is developed around a specific engine and factory mounting position rather than sold as a generic unit. Garrett also puts a lot of development into the compressor, turbine and internal components so the turbo can move the extra airflow needed for higher-output builds. That engineering is a big part of the price.
Who makes Garrett turbos?
Garrett turbochargers are made by Garrett Motion. The company’s turbo history goes back to the 1950s. Garrett Motion became an independent company in 2018 after separating from Honeywell.